This new soundtrack has taken a decidedly different turn from the gooey love ballads of its predecessor, Part One. The beginning is a much more synthesized, pop-infused compilation featuring bands like Feist, Passion Pit, and The Boom Circuit. It also debuts a slower ballad from Green Day called “The Forgotten” which channels a Paul McCartney-esque sound.

When a 1,488 page book is crammed into a two hour feature film, one can expect major holes in the storyline. The major flaw of Les Miserables is its single-mindedness—that it only follows the lead character Jean Valjean (played by Liam Neeson) as he transforms himself from runaway convict to forgiven do-gooder.

“Supremacy” is the dramatic opening song, complete with orchestra sweeps, booming operatic choirs, in a true “O Fortuna” style, and then the driving beats and raging guitars join in with a brass section that catapults it all from dramatic to epic.

But while other bands have far outgrown their punk-rock roots, or burned out along with flannel shirts and Doc Martens, this group of guys have stayed the course and have upped the ante.

Even from the moment Away From The World opens, you can feel the nostalgic energy that it brings. Like putting on your favorite sweater, it gives you a sense of nostalgia, but the tales on this album are of a much older and wiser man.

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